Dangerous Prayers & Lent

Dangerous Prayers & a Social Media Fast: What God Really Asks During These Last Weeks of Lent

Have you ever prayed one of those bold, uncomfortable prayers? You know the kind Craig Groeschel talks about in his book Dangerous Prayers — prayers like “God, search me,” “use me,” or “send me.”

I recently read the book, and it hit me hard. Groeschel challenges us to move beyond safe, comfortable prayers and fully surrender to God’s will for our lives. The problem is, many of us secretly imagine that saying “yes” to God will lead to something dramatic — like packing up and becoming a missionary in another country.

But here’s the truth that feels a lot more real (and honestly, a little scarier): the hard things God often asks us to do happen right in our everyday lives.

It’s choosing to be kind to that coworker everyone else finds annoying. It’s forgiving the person who hurt you deeply — even when they keep hurting you. It’s giving up your weekly coffee run money to help someone in genuine need.

These are not glamorous calls to adventure. They’re quiet, daily acts of obedience that stretch our hearts and require real surrender.

That’s why these final weeks of Lent feel like the perfect time to lean into this kind of dangerous prayer life. Lent is our annual invitation to step back, examine our hearts, and make space for Jesus by letting go of the things that weigh us down. It’s a season of fasting — not just from food, but from whatever pulls our attention away from God.

For me this year, that looked like deleting all my social media apps for the last two weeks of Lent. I didn’t think it would be a big deal. I told myself I wasn’t that attached.

But the moment I hit delete, I physically felt a weight lift off my shoulders. My mind felt clearer. My evenings were quieter. I had no idea how much of a hidden burden those endless scrolls and notifications had become in my life.

If you’re in the middle of Lent right now and feeling the pull to go deeper, maybe God is inviting you into your own version of this. It might not be social media — perhaps it’s worry, comparison, bitterness, or that one habit you keep excusing. Whatever it is, Lent reminds us we don’t have to carry it alone.

I’m so grateful that in any situation — whether it’s a tough relationship, a busy season, or the quiet battle with my phone — I can bring everything and everyone to Jesus. He meets us right there and whispers the promise we all need to hear:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

This Lent, let’s dare to pray those dangerous prayers. Let’s ask God to search us, break what needs breaking, and send us — even if “sending” starts with being kind in the breakroom or putting down our phones long enough to hear His voice.

What’s one small thing you could release this week to make more room for Jesus? I’d love to hear in the comments — we’re all in this journey together.

Anna